Device and method for the acquisition and automatic processing of data obtained from optical codes

ABSTRACT

The device for the acquisition and automatic processing of data obtained from optical codes comprises a CMOS optical sensor; an analog processing unit connected to the optical sensor; an analog/digital conversion unit connected to the analog processing unity; a logic control unit connected to the CMOS optical sensor, the analog processing unit and the analog/digital conversion unit; and a data-processing unit connected to the logic control unit and the analog/digital conversion unit. The CMOS optical sensor and at least one of the analog processing, analog/digital conversion, logic control and data processing units are integrated in a single chip. The data processing unit processes the digital signals corresponding to the image acquired by the CMOS sensor and extracts the optically coded data.

The present invention relates to a device and a method for theacquisition and automatic processing of data obtained from opticalcodes.

Hereinafter, the term “optical code” indicates any graphicrepresentation which has the function of storing coded data. A specificexample of an optical code comprises linear or two-dimensional codes,wherein data is coded by appropriate combinations of elements with apredetermined shape, i.e. square, rectangles or hexagons, of dark colors(normally black), separated by light elements (spaces, normally white),such as bar codes, stacked codes (including PDF417), Max codes,Datamatrix, QR codes, or colour codes etc. More generally, the term“optical code” further comprises other graphic forms with a data-codingfunction, including uncoiled printed characters (letters, numbers etc)and specific shapes (patterns) (such as stamps, logos, signatures etc).

In order to acquire optical data, optical sensors are required,converting the data coding image into electric signals, correlated tothe brightness of the image dots, which can be automatically processedand decoded (through electronic processors).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, optical sensors are manufactured using CCD (Charge CoupledDevice) technology. However, these sensors have disadvantages caused bya not always satisfactory reading performance, complexity, cost and sizeof the entire reading device.

Furthermore, for the manufacture of optical sensors it has already beenproposed to use the CMOS technology, presently employed only inintegrated electronic circuits. Hitherto, however, CCD technology hasbeen preferred to CMOS technology, since its performance is better as toquantic efficiency, optical “fill factor” (i.e. the fraction of theuseful area occupied by the individual detection element or pixel inorder to acquire optical data), dark current leakage, reading noise anddynamics.

Recently, active pixel CMOS sensors (with an amplification sectioninside the pixel) have been developed, which have performance levelscompetitive with CCD sensors, but far greater functional capabilities.An image acquisition device can be divided into two parts, i.e. a(linear or matrix-type) optical sensor, supplying output electricsignals correlated to the received light; and a unit for processing theelectric signals. With the CCD technology used hitherto, whenever theprocessing unit has to collect data from the optical sensor; it mustaccess all the pixels forming the optical sensor in a predeterminedsequence. On the other hand, CMOS technology allows the processing unitto access any pixel directly, without having to comply with a specificorder, and without the need to access all the existing pixels. Inaddition, CMOS sensors are fully compatible with logic circuits producedusing CMOS technology itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is thus to provide a device and a method foracquiring optical data, exploiting the intrinsic advantages of CMOStechnology, compared with CCD technology.

According to the present invention, a device is provided for theacquisition and automatic processing of data from optical codes,characterised, in combination, by:

a CMOS optical sensor;

an analog processing unit connected to said CMOS optical sensor;

an analog/digital conversion unit connected to said analog processingunit; and

a data-processing unit, connected to said analog/digital conversionunit.

The CMOS sensor can be of linear or matrix type; the device is alsoprovided with a display unit and a keyboard and/or a mouse. An interfacepermits connection to radio, telephone; GSM or satellite systems.

The CMOS sensor and at least one of the analog and digital imageprocessing units, are preferably integrated in a single chip;consequently the device is cheap, fast and less sensitive to noise.

The device initially advantageously acquires low-resolution images; inthe low-resolution images, it looks for interest regions; then itacquires high-resolution images in the interest regions and decodes datain the high-resolution images.

According, to the invention, a method is also provided for automaticallyacquiring data obtained from optical codes, comprising the steps ofgenerating an analog electric signal correlated to the brightness of animage through a CMOS optical sensor; processing said analog electricsignal, in an analog manner; converting said analog electric signal intoa digital signal; and processing said digital signal to extract codedoptical data.

In addition, the invention relates to a device for automatic acquisitionof data obtained from optical codes, characterised, in combination, by:

a CMOS optical sensor;

an analog processing unit connected to said CMOS optical sensor; and

an analog/digital conversion unit connected to said analog processingunit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics of the invention will become apparent from thedescription of some preferred embodiments, provided purely by way of nolimiting example and illustrated in the attached drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a device for the acquisition andautomatic processing of data according to a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the device according to a secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the device according to a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the device according to a fourthembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the device according to a fifthembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the device according to a sixthembodiment of the invention.;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram or the device according to a seventhembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a more detailed block diagram of the device of FIG. 1,according to a first variant;

FIG. 9 shows a more detailed block diagram of the device of FIG. 1,according a second variant;

FIG. 10 shows a more detailed block diagram of the device of FIG. 1,according to a third variant;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method for the acquisition andautomatic processing of data according to the invention;

FIGS. 12a and 12 b shave two portions of a sensor used in the presentdevice;

FIGS. 13a, 13 b and 13 c show optical codes superimposed on a gridrepresenting a first shape of the pixels of the image acquisitionsystem;

FIGS. 14a, 14 b and 14 c show optical codes superimposed on a gridrepresenting a second shape of the pixels of the image acquisitionsystem; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a variant of the method for automaticdata acquisition according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, a device 1 for acquisition and automatic processing of datacomprises an image detector 2 and a processing unit 3. In turn, theimage detector 2 comprises, in cascade with one another, a CMOS sensor5, an analog processing unit 6 and an A/D converter 7.

In detail, the CMOS sensor 5, of known type, comprises a linear ormatrix-type array of sensing elements produced using CMOS technology andintended to provide each an image element (pixel). Hereinafter, for thesake of simplicity of description, the term pixel indicates both theimage elements taken from each sensing element and the sensing elementsthemselves. The CMOS sensor 5 than supplies at the output an analogsignal correlated to the quantity of light incident on the sensingelements themselves.

The analog processing unit 6, receiving the output signal from CMOSsensor 5 on a line 8, has the function of adapting the output signalfrom CMOS sensor 5 and allowing subsequent digital conversion of thesignal; in particular, it serves the purpose of making the signalcompatible with the voltage values required by the A/D converter 7,through automatic gain control; eliminating the (thermal andelectro-magnetic) noise generated inside CMOS sensor 5, or picked upfrom the exterior; and modifying .the signal to compensate blurring orexcessive image definition.

A/D converter 7, connected to the output of the analog processing unit 6via a line 9, transforms the analog signal supplied by the analogprocessing unit 6 into a succession of digital pulses, by sampling theanalog signal at suitable moments and coding the data in digital form.In particular, in the simplest case, A/D converter 7 can also use asingle bit (and supply only a white/black data), but more generally itis a N bit converter (e.g. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16).

A digital logic control unit 10 is connected to CMOS sensor 5, to analogprocessing unit 6 and to A/D converter 7, through respective lines11-13, and supplies them with control signals necessary for theiroperative, for example activation and synchronism signals. Logic controlunit 10 comprises hardware and software components for managing blocks5-7 and can also carry, out very complex tasks.

The output 7 a of A/D converter 7 is connected to a microprocessor 15,belonging to the processing unit 3 and connected to an own ROM memory 16for program storing, and to an own RAM memory 17 for storing data,digital image and program information during execution. Microprocessor13 is connected to logic control unit 10 via a line 18 and suppliescontrol signals for acquiring the signals associated with all the pixels(frame), or acquiring the signals associated only with some specificpixels, as described hereinafter in greater detail with reference toFIG. 11. Depending on the application, microprocessor 15 can alsocontrol pixel acquisition in non-consecutive order. In addition, itprocesses the digital image data, extracts the coded data from ,theacquired image and optionally processes this data according to knownalgorithms.

In the device 1, CMOS sensor 5 and at least one of the elements of theimage detector 2 and/or the processing unit 3, are integrated in asingle chip. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, theentire device 1, including the image detector 2 and the processing unit3, is integrated in a single chip 20.

The device 1 is thus very compact and has lower production costs and ahigh image processing speed, due to the closeness of the components andlack of external connections.

FIG. 2 shows a device 1 including, in addition to the blocks shown inFIG. 1, a battery supply unit 80, connected to the image detector 2 andto the processing unit 3, for supplying power to device 1, and two userinterfaces, specifically an input interface 21 and an output interface22, also supplied by the battery supply unit 80, in a manner not shown.The input interface 21 is connected to an input device 81, for example akeyboard or a mouse, for inputting data and commands; the outputinterface 22 is connected to an output device 82, typically a displayunit, to display a text and/or images. The input interface 21 and outputinterface 22 are connected to the microprocessor 15 via a data andcontrol bus 23.

The device 1 of FIG. 2 is also provided with a data transfer and controlinterface 35, for remote transmission and receipt to/from other devicesor to/from a central unit (not shown); typically this interface permitsdispatch of data extracted from the image acquired by microprocessor 15.

In this case also, the CMOS sensor 5 can be of the linear or matrixtype.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment wherein, instead of being concentrated in anappropriate unit (logic control unit 10), the logic control unit isdistributed within blocks forming CMOS sensor 5, analog processing unit6 and A/D converter 7. The logic control unit, 10 is thus eliminated andmicroprocessor 15 is interfaced directly with blocks 5, 6 and 7.

According to a variant, also shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, thelogic control unit is provided inside the microprocessor 15. Therefore,also here, microprocessor 15 is interfaced directly with blocks 5, 6 and7. This variant is advantageous when it is necessary to produce a largenumber of devices 1 according to the, invention; in fact, in this case,it is possible to produce a custom microprocessor component havinghardware resources suitable for direct connection to the image detector2.

FIG. 4 shows a device 1 a formed only by the image detector 2, whereinoutput 7 a of A/D converter 7 is connected to a data transfer andcontrol interface 35. Data transfer and control interface 35 is alsoconnected to the control unit to via a line 36 and to a personalcomputer (not shown) via a line 37 . The data transfer and controlinterface 3 s can for example be a USB, IEEE 1394 or SCSI interface; asan alternative a RAM interface can be provided, which allows thepersonal computer to collect directly the digital data supplied by theA/D conversion unit 7, or a DMAC interface. In addition, the datatransfer and control interface 35 can also be a radio interface, atelephone interface, or a GSM or satellite interface.

Image detector 2 and data transfer and control interface 35 areadvantageously integrated in a single chip 38. In the illustratedexample, device is of FIG. 4 is supplied directly by the personalcomputer, via a supply interface 39 connected to the personal computer(not shown) and supplying the necessary voltages to all blocks of FIG.4. As an alternative, device 1 a can be supplied via data transfer andcontrol interface 35, or directly via the battery interface and thus beprovided with a supply unit block similar to block 80 of FIG. 2 (in amanner not shown).

The device 1 a of FIG. 4 can also be provided with input and outputinterfaces, similarly to interfaces 81 and 82 of FIG. 2.

Data transfer and control interface 35 transfers the images acquired tothe personal computer and receives the commands from the latter, so asto allow image processing (for example in the manner described ingreater detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 7) by the personalcomputer. This solution is advantageous when there is already a personalcomputer available for further processing (for example statistics,computation etc), which can conveniently also be required to carry outthe task of image processing, thus simplifying and reducing dimensionsand cost of the device 1 a simply to those of image detector 2 andoptionally transfer interface 35.

FIG. 5 shows a device 1 which has the same elements as the device ofFIG. 1 (and which are therefore indicated with the same referencenumbers) and also an additional memory 25 of volatile type (RAM)connected between A/D converter 7 and microprocessor 15. In detail, theadditional memory 25 is connected to output 7 a of A/D converter 7 via aline 26, to microprocessor 15 via a data and address bus 27 and to logiccontrol unit 10 via a line 28.

The additional memory 25 is part of the image detector 2 and stores thedigital image formed by a plurality of dots, the digital value whereofis supplied by A/D converter 7. Thereby, a dedicated component outsideimage detector 2 is not necessary for image storing.

In the device 1 of FIG. 15 microprocessor 15 can access additionalmemory 25 directly via data bus 27, when it is necessary to access theimage, and it can access its own ROM memory 16 and RAM memory 17, whenexecuting the program or acceding to its own private data other than theimage.

In addition, device 1 can be fully integrated (in a manner not shown) ina single-chip with data and control transfer interface 35, or it can beonly partially integrated, as previously described.

FIG. 6 shows a device 1 having the same elements as the device of FIG. 1and in addition a DMA (Direct memory Access) controller 30, connectedbetween A/D converter 7 and microprocessor 15. In detail, DMA controller30 is connected to output 7 a of A/D converter 7 via a line 31, tomicroprocessor 15 via a control line 32, to the same microprocessor 15,to ROM memory 16 and RAM memory 17 via a data bus 33 and to logiccontrol unit 10 via a line 34.

DMA controller 30 is part of the image detector 2 and has the aim ofquickly furnishing available digital image to microprocessor 15, bytransferring it directly to RAM memory 17. In particular, when the imagemust be transferred to RAM memory 17, the DMA controller 30 requests themicroprocessor 15 for control of the data bus 33, via the control line32 and when it obtains this control, it generates the addresses and thecontrol signals necessary to store the output image of A/D converter 7directly in RAM memory 17, When the transfer has been carried out,control of data bus 33 is returned to the microprocessor 15, whichprocesses the image which has just been loaded.

The device 1 of FIG. 6 can also be integrated fully in a single chip, orin only part of it.

FIG. 7 shows a device 1, having the same elements as the device of FIG.1 and also an additional RAM memory 25 a, similar to that of FIG. S, anda DMA controller 30 a, similar to that of FIG. 6. DMA controller 30 a isconnected in the same manner as that previously described with referenceto FIG. 6 and the additional memory 25 a is connected at its outputdirectly to the data bus 33.

The device 1 of FIG. 7 has the advantages of both the architecture ofFIG. 5 and the architecture of FIG. 6. In fact, in ,this case, it ispossible to create quickly a copy of the image contained in additionalmemory 25 a into RAM memory 17 and to acquire a second image, thusmaking it possible to carry out comparisons between two successiveimages. This is very useful in the case of processing moving images andin general whenever algorithms are used to process images based on thecomparison of two successive images.

FIG. 8 shows the more detailed architecture of a device 1, which has thegeneral diagram shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 8, CMOS sensor 5 is of lineartype; analog processing unit 6 comprises a channel filter and anautomatic gain control unit; and A/D converter 7 is of the 1-bit type(digitiser). In detail, the analog processing unit 6 has the task ofselecting the useful band of the acquired signal, by filtering noisesuperimposed on the useful signal and automatically controlling theamplitude of the output signal supplied to A/D converter 7, thusadapting the gain to various operative conditions of contrast .andintensity of the image acquired. Since A/D converter 7 operates with 1bit, conversion is particularly simple and quick. Image detector 2 isintegrated in a single chip and is connected to the external processingunit 3 formed by a microcontroller, including, the microprocessor 15 andthe corresponding ROM memory 16 and RAM memory 17.

FIG. 9 shows the more detailed architecture of another device l, whichhas the general diagram shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 9, CMOS sensor 5 is ofmatrix type; analog processing unit 6 comprises an analog circuit forsignal amplification and A/D converter 7 is of 8-bit type, so that itsupplies at output 7 a a digital signal encoding each pixel according toone of 256 levels of grey. Image detector 2 is integrated in a singlechip microprocessor 15 is external, of RISC or CISC type, and isprovided with a non-volatile memory 16 (consisting in this case of anexternal EPROM) and of a RAM memory 17.

The 8-bit A/D conversion limits the image transfer and processingcomplexity, and speeds up the image processing operations for acquiringdata contained in the image.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a single chipintegrates a CMOS sensor 5 of linear type; an analog processing unit 6;an 8-bit A/D converter 7; a microprocessor 15 and a RAM memory 17 forprogram data. In this solution, only ROM memory 16 is external.

In the device of FIG. 10, if the brightness level is known a priori (asin the case of contact readers), this is sufficient and thus the levelof the signal supplied by CMOS sensor 5 is sufficient, analog processingunit 6 is omitted.

The 8-bit converter ensures that the signal is converted with higherresolution than in the case of FIG. 8. This solution thus makes itpossible to simplify as far as possible, or even to eliminate analogprocessing of the signal and to implement algorithms for processing theimages in more complex digital formats. Through these algorithms it ispossible in particular to improve the reading performance, in case ofcodes with very low contrast, damaged codes etc.

To improve the reading speed, the device 1 functions as shown in theflowchart of FIG. 11. In particular, initially the image detector 2acquires the entire image with low resolution (block 40); then themicroprocessor 15 analyses the just detected image, to locate, withinthe image, interest regions which may contain data to be acquired, block41; subsequently, the image detector 2, at the command of microprocessor15, detects the image of only the interest regions with higherresolution than previously, block 42; finally, the microprocessor 15processes the more detailed images, in order to extract the data theycontain, block 43.

Double acquisition of the above-described type can be obtained through aCMOS sensors 5, allowing direct access to the pixels and/or havingvariable shape pixels, as described hereinafter. In addition, datamanagement is based on the following sequence of steps: detectingoptical data (also known as image acquisition) via CMOS sensor 5;identifying interest areas (also known as localization), carried out bythe microprocessor 15, program controlled; and interpreting the data(also known as decoding), also carried out by microprocessor 15, througha software.

In practice, the present device 1 works in every processing step(localization or decoding), with detail levels (image resolution) fittedto the purpose, without making the process excessively onerous. Inparticular, during localization, lower and rougher resolution is used,to reduce the dimensions of the image to be processed, for determiningthe position of the data in the image as whole. Subsequently, only theinterest regions, which are supposed to contain data to be interpreted,are acquired by CMOS sensor 5 at a higher resolution; thereby, thedecoding algorithms can be applied only to reduced portions of image andthe times necessary both for localization and decoding as a whole can bereduced.

In particular, an acquisition method is now described, in which there isdirect access to the pixels of the image detector 2, with reference tothe flowchart of FIG. 11. It is assumed that a CMOS sensor 5 is used,wherein all pixels are the same and nay be accessed directly byselecting lines and columns which need not be adjacent, or by selectingrectangular windows of adjacent pixels. Wherein the term “window” meansa rectangular portion of the image with maximum resolution.

In this hypothesis, low-resolution acquisition 40 is carried out by aregular subsampling of the image with maximum resolution (thus obtainingfor example a first image formed from one line out of every two and onecolumn out of every two, of the image with maximum resolution).

The step of image analysis 41 is carried out by using an algorithm foridentifying interest regions on the first image (with reduceddimensions) obtained in step 40. This algorithm can for example searchfor the regions with greatest contrast and ignore the regions with lowcontrast, since the conventional optical codes use the alternation oflight and dark regions to encode data. Thereby, a list of interestregions is obtained.

The step of high-resolution acquisition 42 then comprises acquiring, foreach interest region, only the window containing the interest region, atthe maximum resolution. The decoding step 43 then applies the decodingalgorithm to each portion of thus obtained image.

A different acquisition method is now described, using variable shapepixels. In particular, it is assumed that a CMOS sensor 5 is used,wherein all pixels are the same and adjacent pixels can be groupedtogether by hardware so as to be physically connected to one anotherthrough controllable switches in order to obtain macropixels with largerdimensions. In this respect, see FIGS. 12a and 12 b relative to aportion 50 of a CMOS sensors 5, formed from a plurality of elementarysensors 51, each of which supplies a corresponding pixel; in FIG. 12a;the elementary sensors 51 are distinct, whereas in FIG. 12b theelementary sensors 51 are grouped together such as to providemacropixels 52, formed by 2×2 pixels. The macropixels 52 are then usedand managed as single units, associated with a brightness valuecorrelated to the average of the brightness of the elementary pixels.Thereby, images are generated having lower resolution than the maximum,that is when each individual elementary pixel 51 is independently used.

According to the variable-shape pixel method and with reference to FIG.11, the low-resolution acquisition step 44 comprises a first step,wherein adjacent pixels are grouped together by hardware, on, the basisof control signals generated by control unit 10, in turn controlled bythe microprocessor 15, and a second step of acquiring a low-resolutionimage, through the thus obtained macropixels. Then follow: analysis ofimage 41; high-resolution acquisition 42 (wherein the values of theindividual pixels are acquired only in the windows where interestregions have been localized) and decoding 43, similarly to theabove-described procedure with reference to the direct-access method.

According to another aspect of the present invention, pixels with avariable height are used. This approach is particularly advantageous toimprove the reading capability in case of linear bar codes, and stackedcodes (i.e. obtained by superimposing a series of bar codes with a verylow height). Specifically, this method is based either or thepossibility of producing macropixels with a rectangular shape and adifferent number of elementary pixels, or on the possibility ofconfiguring height and active area, of the pixel of the CMOS sensors inthe manner described hereinafter.

specifically, for reading linear codas (conventional bar codes), use ofsensors with rectangular pixels having vertical dimensions much greaterthan horizontal dimensions (considering as horizontal the direction ofthe reading line), makes it possible to obtain a relatively broadsensitive detection area with respect to the horizontal dimension;thereby giving greater, sensitivity and a better signal to noise ratio,as is immediately apparent by comparing FIGS. 13a and 14 a, relative tothe reading of a single bar code, respectively with pixels 55 with ahigh height to width ratio (which in the example illustrated is fargreater than 10), and with pixels 56 with a height to width ratio whichis close to 1.

On the other hand, sensors with a reduced pixel height are advantageousin reading optical codes having elements not in Line with the pixels(FIGS. 13b and 14 b), or in reading stacked codes (FIGS. 13c and 14 c).

In particular, the configurability of the pixel shape in CMOS sensorscan be obtained by reducing appropriately the sensing area of eachpixel. In fact, as is known each CMOS pixel is formed by a photoelementgenerating at the output an electric current correlated to the receivedlight quantity and used to charge a storage capacitor. The photoelementhas superimposed a gate element, whose biasing makes it possible toisolate a portion of the facing sensing area, thus activating only partof the photoelement sensing area. Therefore, with a sensing area ofrectangular shape, such as that shown in FIGS. 13a-13 c for example of200×14 μm) and by appropriately biasing the gate electrode of eachpixel, it is possible to modify the shape of each pixel; for example, itis possible to activate only one end of each sensing area, thusobtaining pixels with a substantially square shape, as shown in FIGS.14a-14 c, or portions with increasing height, until the maximumdimensions of FIGS. 13a-13 b.

The above-described possibility of varying the shape of the pixelsallows a same detector device to have two (or note) different operativeconfigurations and thus to employ a single data acquisition device fordifferent codes or in a priori unknown reading conditions (for examplewith unknown inclination of a bar code).

In this case, an algorithm may be implemented, initially attemptingreading with maximum height and reducing the height in case ofunsuccessful reading. Height reduction can be gradual, if CMOS sensor 5allows a discrete regulation of the pixel height to obtain a pluralityof different heights.

In this case, the data acquisition device with variable shape pixels canoperate according to FIG. 15. In detail, the maximum pixel height isinitially set (block 60); the image (or at least a reduced, trial,portion of it) is then acquired (block 61); the acquired image isprocessed to extract coded data, for example for localizing interestregions, or is pre-processed to evaluate whether the image is sufficientto extract data, block 62; it is verified whether reading has beensuccessful, block 63; if so, (YES, output from block 63), processing iscontinued (completion of image processing or use of the extracted data,block 64); if not (NO output from block 63), it is verified whether thepixels are already at minimum height (block 67). If so (YES output fromblock 67), an error signal is generated (block 68, to indicate thatreading is impossible); if not (No output from block 67), the pixelheight is reduced block 69, and the image is acquired another time,returning to block 61.

The advantages of the described device and method are as follows.Firstly, they allow integration in a single chip of both the sensor andat least part of the VLSI logic circuits, thus reducing the costs forthe components and packaging of the entire device; in addition, theyexploit the inherent advantages of CMOS technology for reading opticalcoded data; in particular, they alloy acquisition of selective imagesub-sets, on the basis of the image processing stage, thus simplifyingand speeding up data processing.

The present device can be produced according to one of the variousabove-described architectures, according to the specific applicationrequirements and specific characteristics.

The possibility of integrating significant portions of the device in asingle chip permits firstly reduction of the device dimensions (which isparticularly advantageous in case of manual optical readers, physicallysupported by an operator) and secondly, reduction of the processingtimes and interferences caused by connections, wires etc.

Finally, it is apparent that many modifications and variants can be madeto the device and the method described and illustrated here, all ofwhich, come within the context of the invention, as defined in theattached claims. In particular, the various blocks described withreference to specific architectures can also be used in differentarchitectures, in accordance with very varied combinations, on the basisof the specific requirements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for the acquisition and automaticprocessing of data obtained from optical codes, comprising, incombination: a CMOS optical sensor element; an analog processing unitconnected to said CMOS optical sensor; an analog/digital conversion unitconnected to said analog processing unit; and a data-processing unitconnected to said analog/digital conversion unit; wherein said dataprocessing unit comprises a microprocessor, a program memory unit and animage memory unit.
 2. A device according to claim 1, characterised inthat said CMOS sensor (5) is of linear type.
 3. A device according toclaim 1, characterised in that said CMOS sensor (5) is of matrix type.4. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that said analogprocessing unit (6) comprises filtering means and automatic gain controlmeans.
 5. A device according to claim 1, characterised by a batterysupply unit (80).
 6. A device according to claim 1, characterized by adirect memory access controller, interposed between said analog/digitalconversion unit and said image memory unit.
 7. A device according to 1claim 1, characterised by a volatile memory (25, 25 a) interposedbetween said analog/digital conversion unit (7) and said data processingunit (3).
 8. A device according to claim 1, characterised by userinterface means (21, 22, 81, 82).
 9. 1 A device according to claim 8,characterised in that said user interface means (21, 22, 81, 82)comprise a display unit (82).
 10. A device according to claim 8,characterised in that said user interface means (21, 22, 81, 82)comprise a keyboard and/or a mouse.
 11. A device according to claim 1,characterised by a transfer interface ,unit (35) for data and commandtransmission and reception.
 12. A device according to claim 11,characterised in that said transfer interface unit (35) is aninput/output interface for remote connection to external devices or toan external central unit.
 13. A device according to claim 11,characterised in that said transfer interface unit (35) is aninput/output interface for remote connection via radio.
 14. A deviceaccording to claim 11, characterised in that said transfer interfaceunit (35) is an input/output interface for remote connection viatelephone.
 15. A device for the acquisition and automatic processing ofdata obtained from optical codes, comprising, in combination: a CMOSoptical sensor; an analog processing unit connected to said CMOS opticalsensor; an analog/digital conversion unit connected to said analogprocessing unit; a data-processing unit, connected to saidanalog/digital conversion unit, and a logic control unit connected tosaid CMOS optical sensor, said analog processing unit; to saidanalog/digital conversion unit and to said data processing unit.
 16. Adevice according to claim 15, characterised in that said logic controlunit (10) and said data processing unit (3) are integrated in amicroprocessor (15).
 17. A device according to claim 15, characterisedin that said logic control unit (10) is integrated distributedly in saidCMOS sensor (5), said analog processing unit (6) and said analog/digitalconversion unit (7).
 18. A device for the acquisition and automaticprocessing of data obtained from optical codes, comprising, incombination: a CMOS optical sensor; an analog processing unit connectedto said CMOS optical sensor; an analog/digital conversion unit connectedto said analog processing unit; a data-processing unit connected to saidanalog/digital conversion unit, and comprising an image memory unit;user interface means; a logic control unit connected to said CMOSoptical sensor, said analog/digital conversion unit and said dataprocessing unit; a transfer interface unit for data and commandtransmission and reception; a direct memory access controller,interposed between said analog/digital conversion unit and said imagememory unit; and a volatile memory interposed between saidanalog/digital conversion, unit and said data processing unit; whereinsaid CMOS optical sensor and at least one element selected from thegroup consisting of said analog processing unit, said analog/digitalconversion unit, said logic control unit, said data processing unit,said user interface means, said transfer interface unit, said directmemory access controller and said volatile memory element, areintegrated in a single chip.
 19. A device for the acquisition andautomatic processing of data obtained from optical codes, comprising, incombination: a CMOS optical sensor, an analog processing unit connectedto said CMOS optical sensor, an analog/digital conversion unit connectedto said analog processing unit, a data-processing unit, connected tosaid analog/digital conversion unit, means for acquiring low resolutionimages; means for searching regions of interest in said low-resolutionimages; means for acquiring high-resolution images of said regions ofinterest; and means for decoding said low-resolution data in saidhigh-resolution images.
 20. A devise according to claim 19,characterised in that said CMOS sensor (5) comprises a plurality of CMOSsensing elements and in that said low-resolution image acquisition means(40) comprise means for selectively interrogating only some of said CMOSsensing elements of said plurality of CMOS sensing elements (51).
 21. Adevice according to claim 19, characterised in that said CMOS sensor;comprises a plurality of CMOS sensing elements (51) and in that saidlow-resolution image acquisition means (50) comprise means groupingadjacent groups of said CMOS sensing, elements together into macropixels(52) and means (6) acquiring electric signals generated by each saidmacropixel.
 22. A device according to claim 19, characterised in thatsaid CMOS sensor (5) comprises a plurality of CMOS sensing elements (51)and in that said low-resolution image acquisition means (40), comprisemeans modifying the active area of said CMOS sensing elements and means(6) acquiring electric signals supplied by said CMOS sensing elementswith a modified active area.
 23. In a method for the acquisition andautomatic processing of data obtained from optical codes, comprising thesteps of: generating an analog electric signal correlated to thebrightness of an image through a CMOS optical sensor; processing saidanalog electric signal in an analog manner; converting said analogelectric signal into a digital signal; processing said digital signal inorder to extract coded optical data; the improved method comprising thesteps of: acquiring low-resolution images; searching regions of interestin said low resolution images; acquiring high-resolution images of saidregion of interest and decoding data, in said high-resolution images.24. An improved method according to claim 23, characterized in that saidCMOS sensor comprises a plurality of CMOS sensing elements and in thatsaid step of acquiring low-resolution images comprises the step ofselectively interrogating at least one but less than all of saidplurality of CMOS sensing elements.
 25. An improved method according toclaim 23, characterized in that said CMOS sensor comprises a pluralityof CMOS sensing elements and in that said step of acquiring lowresolution images comprises the steps of grouping adjacent groups ofsaid CMOS sensing elements together into macropixels and acquiringelectric signals generated by each macropixel.
 26. An improved methodaccording to claim 23, wherein said CMOS sensor comprises a plurality ofCMOS sensing elements and wherein said step of acquiring low resolutionimages further comprises the steps of modifying the active area of saidCMOS sensing elements and acquiring electric signals supplied by saidCMOS sensing elements with said modified active area.
 27. A device forautomatic acquisition of data obtained from optical codes, comprising,in combination: a CMOS optical sensor; an analog processing unitconnected to said CMOS optical sensor; an analog/digital conversion unitconnected to said analog processing unit; and a transfer interface unitconnected to said analog/digital conversion unit.
 28. A device accordingto claim 27, wherein said transfer interface unit is a USB typeinterface.
 29. A device according to claim 27, wherein said transferinterface unit is a RAM.
 30. A device according to claim 27, whereinsaid transfer interface unit is a remote type.
 31. A device according toclaim 27, characterised by a battery supply unit (80).
 32. A deviceaccording to claim 27, characterised by a supply interface (39)connectable to a personal computer.
 33. A device according to claim 27,characterised in that said CMOS sensor (5) is of linear type.
 34. Adevice according to claim 27, characterised in that said CMOS sensor (5)is of matrix type.
 35. A device according to claim 27, characterised byuser interface means (21, 22, 81, 82).
 36. A device for the acquisitionand processing of data obtained from optical codes comprising: means forgenerating an analog electric signal correlated to the brightness of animage through a CMOS optical sensor; means for processing said analogelectric signal in an analog manner; means for converting said analogelectric signal into a digital signal; means for processing said digitalsignal in a manner to extract coded optical data therefrom; wherein saidmeans for generating said analog electric signal comprise configurationmeans for acquiring electric signals from said CMOS sensor according toa configuration dependent on the optical code type.
 37. A deviceaccording to claim 36, wherein said CMOS optical sensor comprises aplurality of CMOS sensing elements and said configuration meanscomprises means for grouping adjacent CMOS sensing elements togetherinto macropixels and means for acquiring electric signals generated bysaid macropixels.
 38. A device according to claim 36, wherein said CMOSoptical sensor comprises a plurality of CMOS sensing elements and saidconfiguration means comprises means for modifying the active area ofsaid CMOS sensing elements and means for acquiring electric signalssupplied by said CMOS sensing elements with a modified active area. 39.A method for the acquisition and processing of data obtained fromoptical codes, comprising the steps of: a) acquiring an image through aCMOS optical sensor comprising a plurality of pixels; b) processing saidimage to extract optical coded data therefrom; c) attempting a readingof said extracted optical coded data; d) verifying whether said step c)of reading has been successful; and e) if said step d) of verifying hasa negative result, modifying at least one dimension of said pixels andreturning to step a).
 40. A method according to claim 39, wherein saidstep a) is preceded by a step i) of setting a maximum pixel shape forsaid pixels; and wherein said step e), of modifying at least onedimension of said pixels, comprises reducing the pixel height dimension.